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(Woodbine, IA) -- New details are emerging about the case that led to the conviction of Robert Davis in the 1989 murder of Barbara Lenz.
The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation says Lenz’s disappearance prompted a large‑scale investigation at the time. Despite more than 60 interviews, investigators were unable to locate a body, physical evidence, or enough witnesses, and the case eventually went cold.
In February 2020, a key witness came forward after ending a relationship with Davis. The witness told authorities that during an argument, Davis said, “Be careful or you’ll end up like Barb.”
That statement led investigators to obtain an arrest warrant. During a traffic stop, Davis reportedly told officers, “I mean, you got a body or something or what?”
A jury deliberated for about four hours before finding Davis guilty of first‑degree murder. He is scheduled to be sentenced in May.